Xiaomi phones now have a WhatsApp Cleaner feature in MIUI 10

The tool, found in the security hub, allows users to quickly clear files sent and received on WhatsApp.

It seems like you still need the official storage tool for wiping files by contact or group.

Like many brands, Xiaomi phones offer a security/phone management hub, bringing a range of system-related tools into one place. These tools included SMS/call blocklists, cache cleaners, and data usage tracking.

Now, we can add another tool to the list, as Xiaomi announces a WhatsApp Cleaner feature in MIUI 10‘s security hub (security app > WhatsApp Cleaner). The new feature is broadly similar to WhatsApp‘s own storage functions, allowing you to wipe WhatsApp-related files (e.g. images, video clips, voice notes, documents, GIFs) to claw back storage space.

It seems like the WhatsApp Cleaner tool doesn’t let you drill down by contacts, however. So if you only want to wipe photos from one contact or group, you’ll probably need to use WhatsApp’s built-in tool instead (settings > Data and storage usage > Storage usage).

Editor's Pick

21 essential WhatsApp tricks and tips you should know

WhatsApp is the world's most popular instant messaging app, and for good reason — it gets a steady stream of updates, has a long list of features, and supports a wide range of devices. There's …

Then again, you’ll need to use the Xiaomi tool if you want to clean up your entire WhatsApp account, as the official tool doesn’t appear to let you wipe all files at large. You’ll also want to stick to the Xiaomi utility if you need to wipe a specific category of file, such as video clips.

In any case, WhatsApp can be a huge storage hog, especially on budget smartphones with 16GB, 8GB or even 4GB of storage. So any attempt to help users reclaim storage should be welcomed.

The WhatsApp Cleaner tool is available on phones running the MIUI 10 global beta ROM, the company clarified on its website. But if your phone is scheduled to receive MIUI 10, it’ll get the WhatsApp Cleaner tool as well.